Tapering - Feedback Please

[Back2Life]

So, I've been on and off opiates for a few years. Never a daily user until maybe 18 months ago, mainly vikes, norcos. I even quit a couple times for short periods.

Then I got into oxy about 6 months ago. I'd do oxy for a week or two then get some methadones for a week and vikes for a week in between until the monthly hook-up. So, I've been a daily user of opiates for probably a year. Thing was, I tought I was OK becasue I was changing it up so much. But then I wasnt even getting a buzz off norcos/vikes anymore when those used to be my favorite treat. Thats when I knew I was in trouble. I needed Oxy to get high and then it was all down hill.

GOOD NEWS: I'M QUITTING

I'm detoxing now. Haven't done oxy for a month (so I should be congratulating myself right?, but I still feel like shit).

The last 3 weeks I did a methadone taper down from like 50mg to 20mg a day, and down to 10 on the last day. I was never high really just felt normal and OK. I was like "Im in the clear"

Then the withdrawals started.UUUUGHHHHH.

So, I did 2-3 days of a few norcos (never felt high and withdrawals were only slightly toned down), and then I went through a 3 day darvocet stash (I took 5 earlier and I barely feel even a little bit of relief!)

I talked to a friend today who can get me a few suboxones (4 of the 8mg but thats like 6-12 doses as he explains it). So, I just took my last Darvos and will be getting the Subs in about 12 hours. Im thinking because Darvos are so weak and havent helped w/ withdrawals anyways really, I figure I can take the Subs tomorrow afternoon. Sound OK to you guys?

Basically, I feel like crap and have for 4-5 days (24 hours after I took my last 10mg methadone). I really thought I had this all planned right, but Im still feeling like crap (I cant even imagine cold turkey) I know there is a long road ahead for me and gotta be committed and strong.

I really just want to throw my story out there in hopes of getting some support and advice.

 

[Back2Life]

Update: I'm taking 1 10mg methadone pill a day that helps a lot with the withdrawals, but only have about 10 left. I also use benzos and am on an anti-depressant called Aplenzin (similar to Wellbutrin), both prescribed by a doctor. I've told many of my friends, so I have a support group, but haven't told my family. I think it would cause them a lot of suffering and I want to try on my own first (but if I end up with drawing so bad I need rehab, I guess I'll ask them for help). I think I'm going to try meetings soon too.

5 weeks without an oxy though, thats pretty good. I'm not really abusing any other drugs and/or alcohol either. I see the pills I do take as medicine for my withdrawals. I dont mind sobriety as much as the withdrawals (legs hurt, nausea, tired all the time but still cant sleep) DAY AFTER DAY is getting to me. Im not so much worried about relapse as I just feel crappy every day and want this to be over.

I do see things now with a much clearer head and my emotions more raw. I'm able to see myself and my actions past and present and Im growing again. Thats really encouraging.

So are all your responses! Thank you all! I'm debating trying to get some tramadol for when I run out of methadone next week. Advice?? I also might try just taking 1/2 a methadone a day after this weekend (going camping with long time group of friends and dont want to be a total drag).

 

[jadevixen]

Glad you are still keeping it up! I know what you mean about the day after day thing being a drag. hats whatb I meant when I said the just for today concept really helped me. when I tried to think about the rest of my life with no relief I just couldn't hang. to make a decision not to get high for the next hour is something I can live with...but barely, hahaha. seriousl though you are doing the right thing. glad you have a support group, my family was the last to know also, I felt like I had one good screw up freebie and didn't want to use it early. If they ever heard of problems again they might not be so understanding, hang in there

 

[edgewise1]

Tramadol could help you with wd's, but keep in mind that it is addictive and comes with it's own personal hell in the form of wd's.
The key is to take the least amount possible and to stay on it for as short a time as possible. Another thing to keep in mind is that tramadol does not work for everyone. Good luke on the quitting!